I enjoyed Rafael Alvarez's commentary on foods and aromas, which was reminiscent of Marcel Proust's novel "Remembrance of Things Past" ("The tastes and smells that make us remember," June 1).
With me it wasn't madelines or holiday cakes. I get nostalgic when I inhale the sweet smell of honeysuckle. It reminds me of the backyard of my childhood house.
The backyard where my very patriotic parents planted a victory garden during World War II. The backyard where the neighbors caught up with the news over fences, The backyard that led to the alley where the hucksters sold fruit and vegetables from their trucks.
By the way, the alleys were immaculate as were the backyards. And these memories are as sweet and poignant as the honeysuckle.
Mignon Rosenthal, Pikesville